Matra vs Porsche
The ultimate test of endurance and innovation.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an endurance sports car race held annually near the city of Le Mans, France. First run in 1923, it is the oldest active endurance racing event in the world and is widely considered one of the world's most prestigious races.
Quick Facts
- Matra key car
- MS670B Prototype
- Porsche key car
- 917K; 908
- Notable matra driver
- Henri Pescarolo
- Notable porsche driver
- Jacky Ickx
- Matra wins in period
- 2 Consecutive Titles
- Engine dispute
- Cosworth DFV vs Porsche Flat-12
Lore & Background
The race is won by the car that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours. The record distance covered is 5,410 km (set in 2010). The race is organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) and held on the Circuit de la Sarthe. It was part of the World Sportscar Championship from 1953 until 1992, part of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup in 2011, and part of the FIA World Endurance Championship since 2012. The most recent running, the 94th 24 Heures du Mans, ran from 13 to 14 June 2026.
Reader's Guide
Since 2019, 62 cars enter each race. The race comprises three classes: Hypercar (LMH or LMDh), LMP2, and LMGT3. Three drivers share each vehicle, with individual limits of driving no more than 4 hours in a 6-hour period and no more than 14 hours total. The Garage 56 program allows experimental cars outside the regular regulations to participate.
Did You Know?
- The record distance covered is 5,410 km, more than six times the length of the Indianapolis 500.
- The race is part of two informal Triple Crown series: the Triple Crown of Motorsport and the Triple Crown of endurance racing.
- A 10-hour American version called Petit Le Mans has been held annually since 1998.
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